Shinsekai | Tsutenkaku Tower

Osaka City, Osaka / 新世界（大阪府大阪市）

For foreign tourists visiting Osaka, I would like to introduce two must-visit spots: Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower.

Let’s start with Shinsekai. This area is known for its retro (old-fashioned) and vibrant atmosphere. You can stroll through the streets lined with traditional food stalls and restaurants, immersing yourself in the everyday life of the locals. One of the iconic landmarks here is Tsutenkaku Tower.

Tsutenkaku Tower is a symbol of Osaka, standing at approximately 100 meters tall. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka city. The tower is especially enchanting at night when the city lights up, creating a romantic ambience. Around Tsutenkaku, you will also find souvenir shops and eateries, offering a variety of local delicacies and gifts to explore.

Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower provide an opportunity to experience the charm of Osaka. You can soak up the retro atmosphere of the neighbourhood, enjoy the panoramic view from Tsutenkaku, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Make sure to include these attractions in your Osaka itinerary to create unforgettable memories of your trip!

Why did I visit there?

I was also visiting Osaka at this time (my second trip to Kansai since my high school excursion) and the Arashiyama sightseeing trip described in my previous post. I was staying right here in Shinsekai, as there are many cheap hostels and backpackers. Tsutenkaku Tower, an Osaka landmark, can be seen in this area.

The main spots to visit in Shinsekai are:

• Tsutenkaku Tower
• Janjan Yokocho Alley

Enjoy the unique retro cityscape and Osaka’s famous food.

Tsutenkaku Tower

If you visit Tsutenkaku, be sure to climb the tower. The location is close to well-known towns such as Dotonbori and Namba, where you can also view Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan. The observatory entrance fee is also more affordable than at other towers around Japan (Adult: 1,000 JPY). You will enjoy seeing the unique view that can only be enjoyed here.

Inside the tower, you can also meet a character called Billiken-san, known in Osaka as the god of business prosperity. The gaudy golden statues are bound to catch your eye. There are also other shops where you can buy limited-edition souvenirs, so you won’t be bored.

Janjan Yokocho Alley

Next is Janjan Yokocho, an amazing shopping street in Shinsekai. While this alley is about 180 metres long, the narrow width of the street brings people closer together. This arcade district is the very embodiment of Osaka, a city of merchants that has long been known as the nation’s kitichen.

The first place I would recommend is kushikatsu restaurants, traditional Japanese food. Tengu I visited was a long-established restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike, as each piece was carefully prepared/cooked and inexpensive. In addition to kushikatsu, there is a wide range of other delicious restaurants, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, to try out.

Also on this street is a dojo (club) for traditional Japanese board games such as Shogi and Go, which are not well known abroad. Shogi, in particular, is also known as the Japanese chess, and scenes of playing this are used in the very popular manga ‘Naruto’ and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’. You will witness through the glass an unfamiliar scene of chess enthusiasts gathered here, competing in their skills. There are other retro game centres where you can easily play, and you must be able to find something interesting for you.

How do I get to Shinsekai?

• Osaka Station ~ Shin-Imamiya Station (JR line) takes about 20 mins